It is important to have a written warranty for any work or repairs done to the plumbing in your house, especially if it is a major repair. Look for a professional who is willing to stand by his or her work.

Is it recommended to ask for references from a plumber?

Before you hire a plumber, contact their past customers if you're able to. These people can be a wealth of information if you ask them the right questions. Pose the following queries to these former patrons when you get the chance:

Were you pleased with the work done?

Was the project completed on time?

Did the plumber give you a written warranty and guarantee his or her work?

Were there any unexpected costs that arose?

Would you hire this plumber again? If not, why?

Is a permit necessary for plumbing work?

A permit provides added assurance that the work is done correctly. Having this in place means an inspector will check the work your contractor or plumber does to ensure he or she did the job correctly. If you plan on putting your house or commercial building on the market, a real estate agent and prospective buyers will want to check any large work you did to make sure it was done properly.

Is a plumber required to be insured and bonded?

A trustworthy plumber will have both commercial liability insurance as well as be bonded. The insurance and the bond protects the plumber from paying for any damages made to your house out of pocket. Having professionals that carry both of these policies can protect all of you from any mishaps that could occur while they work on your building.